I was up abit earlier than most repairing my flat tyre from the day before. I couldnt be bothered trying to find the bits of glass in the dark so I put my spare tyre on and threw the old worn one in the bin.
Breakfast eaten, dressed in the B2B jersey (it was a lot warmer in Morisset so no need for a jacket thankfully) and deep heat cream rubbed on my knees. I packe my suitcase for the last time and checked over the bike.
We travelled 7km back into Morisset town then joined the freeway. The freeway has generous shoulder and the only obstacles to watch for are entering cars from the sliplanes and the various road debris scattered everywhere (bits of truck tyres, car parts, animal parts, rubbish etc).
Thankfully the traffic heading to Sydney provided a handed tailwind and the gentle downslopes made for a quick and easy ride. There were some uphills but at a much more pleasant grade than some others we had endured.
Taking the Somersby exit we stopped for tea and cookies and to regroup. We would leave the Freeway and take the old Pacific Motorway (also known as the Scenic Drive) instead. This not only offered less traffic but magnificent views and scenery. And it did not disappoint! We began with a cracking descent winding our way down the valley with the sounds of bellbirds in our ears. It was a damp and cool rainforest scene with barely a car in sight. Our only occasional company were motorbikes enjoying the same climbs and descents we were. Climbing back up a gentle but long grade was actually made enjoyable due to the expanding views of the Mooney Mooney Creek and Hawkesbury River area. It was amazing. I would seriously fly to Sydney just to ride this road back and forth. As the sun rose, more and more cyclists (leg and motor powered) joined us. It is definately a two wheel paradise. The only downside was a brief stop where I had to repair a puncture on my rear tyre this time.
Passing the beautiful waterside town of Brooklyn and crossing the "Brooklyn Bridge" we climbed back up to Cowan. This climb was one that you could do in your own pace and I found it enjoyable. I didn't have the energy to push hard but it would be great to come back and try again another time. At the top of the climb is the famous pie shop "Pie In The Sky" and we stopped for lunch. I demolished a pepper steak pie, chips, chocolate brownie, can of coke and a coffee (hey, I earned it!). Feeling pretty full we rode onwards, up and down and up and down until the rainforest changed to suburbs.
We stopped at Wahroonga to relay the plan to ride into the city. It would busy and noisy and some of our group were nervous about mingling with cars (and rightly so given some of the close encounters I have had). We would stick together riding in twin rows and take the whole lefthand lane with the van following behind us. This proved to work quite well as people would make the connection between the charity sponsorships on the van and our matching jerseys. Only a few idiots yelled out unpleasant things (who abuses someone riding for charity, really?).
We took it slow and steady not to leave anyone behind. I told Lawrie and Ivor to take the front and traffic side and I rode at the back. This way would could ensure everyone was together and protect them from the traffic. It worked really well. We called out potholes and obstacles and made sure everyone felt safe.
Eventually the Harbour Bridge poked into view and we cheered with fists in the air. Leaving the main busy streets we Berliner for the northern end of the Bridge. Rolling to a stop we hugged and high fived each other. We had made it! Honoring the tradition, we each had a shot of rum and remembered those we had lost to cancer and those still suffering. Their strength is what kept us going.
The ride officially over, we walked up onto the bridge and ride over the bikeway taking photos and enjoying the glow of what we had achieved.
Coming back under the bridge we gathered at Dawes Point where some nice ladies from the Cure for Life Foundation had gathered to cheer us home. Friends and family of some of the riders where there to throw streamers and poppers. Bottles of champagne appeared and we toasted to the adventure over. After what seemed like hours of photos I sat on the grass, looking at my dirty bike, scarred tyres, sore legs and weary muscles. The sun peeked out from behind the Opera House and added to the magical feeling. I had done it. What was once a pipe dream and seemed impossible, was now proven to be achievable. It's true, you can do anything if you really want to.
Dinner was on the Harbour at a delicious Italian resteraunt and we toasted to Randall and Mark, the organisers of this crazy adventure, and to Graham and Rochelle who were there to support us in our every need all along the way. Without these special people it would not have been possible to do what we did.
More photos and thoughts to come, once I am back home. Thanks everyone.
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